Julia Lawton is Professor of Health & Social Science at the Usher Institute , University of Edinburgh, where she leads the Edinburgh Qualitative Health Research Group (EQual) . Her work focuses on improving healthcare delivery through qualitative research, particularly in chronic condition self-management and health inequalities. Education: PhD and BA in Social Anthropology from University of Cambridge Research Themes: Diabetes self-management, health technology adoption, inequities in healthcare access, process evaluations of complex interventions Key Projects: UNBIASED (diabetes technology disparities), REDUCE (diabetic foot ulcers), CL4P-CF (cystic fibrosis-related diabetes), AiDAPT (pregnancy diabetes management) Her recent publications highlight innovations in diabetes care, including closed-loop systems, structured education, and addressing disparities in technology access for underserved populations. She collaborates extensively with NHS entities and international institutions.
Pedro Neves is a Full Professor in the Department of Management and Organizations at Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE), Universidade Nova de Lisboa. His academic background includes a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology/Organizational Behavior from ISCTE-IUL and post-doctoral research at the University of Delaware. He teaches courses in Organizational Behavior, Persuasion and Negotiation, and Entrepreneurship, and actively contributes to executive education programs. His research focuses on leadership processes , particularly the dark side of leadership , interpersonal relationships , organizational change management (especially resistance anticipation), occupational health (including stress perception), and entrepreneurial behavior . His work appears in leading journals such as the Journal of Applied Psychology , The Leadership Quarterly , and Human Resource Management . His recent publications show a consistent focus on leadership dynamics, organizational change, employee well-being, and ethical behavior, often using multi-level and cross-cultural frameworks. He has also edited key volumes such as the Handbook of Methods in Leadership Research and the Research Handbook on Destructive Leadership . He currently serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science and is on the Editorial Board of The Leadership Quarterly and other journals, reflecting his scholarly impact. Pedro Neves has collaborated with doctoral students and researchers globally and has contributed to both theoretical and applied aspects of organizational behavior. He has not received explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the text, but his editorial roles and publication record indicate significant recognition in the field. He is involved in the Leadership for Impact Knowledge Center and contributes to open and customized executive education programs at Nova SBE.
Nathan W. Hudson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. Previously, he received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2016. His research focuses on personality psychology, particularly how people's personalities change across time and how individuals function in romantic relationships. He leads the Δ Lab at SMU, which investigates individual differences in human personality. Education: 2016 – Ph.D., Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2011 – M.A., Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2009 – B.A., Purdue University Nathan Hudson's primary research area is volitional personality change—people's desires and attempts to change their own personality traits. His groundbreaking research has shown that approximately 90% of people want to change aspects of their personality traits, and moreover, they may be able to find some degree of success in doing so. He also studies adult attachment styles and how people function in close relationships. Hudson's work suggests that attachment anxiety is linked to false memories, and that people's attachment styles can change over time. His research integrates both theoretical and applied perspectives, with implications for therapeutic interventions and personal development. Hudson's recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward understanding the mechanisms of personality change and developing effective interventions. His work spans across multiple domains of personality psychology, with a particular emphasis on the Big Five personality traits, attachment theory, and well-being. A consistent theme throughout his research is examining how people's desires for change translate into actual personality growth. His work has increasingly focused on the practical applications of personality science, including developing measures and interventions that can help people achieve their desired personality changes. Scientific Awards: Goss-Lucas Award for Excellence in Teaching James Davis Fellowship Foundation for Personality and Social Psychology Heritage Dissertation Award Hudson actively mentors students in the Δ Lab at SMU, where they conduct research on personality change, attachment, and well-being. He has secured multiple grants to support his research on volitional personality change and the development of personality assessment tools. His lab has developed several psychological measures, including the Change Goals Big Five Inventory (C-BFI2) and its variants, which are freely available for academic research. Hudson also engages with the public through his TEDx talk "You Can Change Your Personality" and has been featured in Olga Khazan's book "Me, But Better," which applies his research to real-life settings. The Δ Lab, led by Hudson, is dedicated to understanding individual differences in personality and how people can intentionally change aspects of themselves. The lab values all individual differences among humans, recognizing that variance in human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is adaptive and makes humanity resilient. The lab wholeheartedly supports the LGBTQ+ community and emphasizes that individual differences between humans are what personality science is all about.
Dr. Reza Fazeli is a Research Fellow at the Zero-Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific Grand Challenge at the Australian National University's School of Engineering. He joined ANU in January 2020, following six years as a Research Analyst and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Iceland. His research focuses on sustainable energy transitions, decarbonization strategies, and energy policy assessment. Education background: PhD in Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Porto (MIT-Portugal program) MSc in Energy Systems Engineering, Sharif University of Technology BSc in Mechanical Engineering, University of Tehran Dr. Fazeli's research spans energy modeling, system dynamics, and multi-criteria decision analysis. He investigates decarbonization pathways for transportation and energy systems, GIS-based sustainability assessments, and hydrogen economy transitions. His work combines technological and behavioral perspectives to develop sustainable energy solutions. His recent publications focus on hydrogen certification, emission accounting frameworks, and renewable integration challenges. Articles consistently address policy-technical interfaces in energy transitions, with increasing emphasis on international hydrogen trade and certification systems since 2021. Dr. Fazeli leads research on green hydrogen economy assessments and coordinates cross-disciplinary projects at the ANU Energy Change Institute.
Marcia C. Linn is the Evelyn Lois Corey Professor of Instructional Science in the Berkeley School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley. She serves as Chair of the Graduate Group in Science and Mathematics Education (SESAME) and has made significant contributions to the field of science education for over five decades. Dr. Linn is a member of the National Academy of Education and a Fellow of multiple prestigious organizations including the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Psychological Association (APA), the Association for Psychological Science (APS), the American Educational Research Association (AERA), and the International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS). Dr. Linn earned her B.A. in Psychology and Statistics (1965), M.A. in Educational Psychology (1967), and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (1970) from Stanford University, where she worked under Lee Cronbach. Her early career included working with Jean Piaget at the Institute Jean Jacques Rousseau in Geneva, Switzerland (1967-68), serving as a Fulbright Professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel (1983), and conducting research at University College in London. She has been a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Sciences three times and a Writing Resident at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center twice. Dr. Linn's research focuses on how students learn science and how technology can be used to improve science education. She developed the Knowledge Integration framework, which has become widely used in science education. Her work explores the intersection of cognitive science and educational practice, with particular attention to how students develop understanding of complex scientific concepts. She has pioneered the use of technology in science education, developing the Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE) and directing the NSF-funded Technology-Enhanced Learning in Science (TELS) center. Dr. Linn's recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward integrating artificial intelligence with science education. Her work increasingly focuses on how AI can support knowledge integration, facilitate science learning opportunities, and promote equitable educational experiences. She examines how technology can help students develop deeper understandings of scientific concepts through inquiry-based learning while addressing issues of social justice in science education. Scientific Awards and Honors National Association for Research in Science Teaching Award for Lifelong Distinguished Contributions to Science Education American Educational Research Association Willystine Goodsell Award Council of Scientific Society Presidents first award for Excellence in Educational Research Fulbright Professor (1983) Apple Wheels for the Mind grant (1985) National Institute of Education grant (1983) Throughout her career, Dr. Linn has secured significant funding for educational research, including multiple National Science Foundation grants. She directed the NSF-funded Technology-Enhanced Learning in Science (TELS) center and has led numerous projects investigating the cognitive consequences of computer environments for learning. She has advised countless students and researchers in the field of science education, shaping the next generation of educational researchers and practitioners. Dr. Linn directs the Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE) project and has been instrumental in developing technology-enhanced learning environments for science education. Her laboratory has been at the forefront of creating and testing innovative learning technologies that support students in developing deep understanding of scientific concepts through inquiry-based approaches.
Aura Istrate is a Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Urban Planning & Sustainable Urbanism at the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy at University College Dublin (UCD). With an international background spanning multiple continents, she conducts interdisciplinary research on sustainable urban development, focusing on active mobility, nature-based solutions, and climate-neutral cities. She teaches GIS and urban planning modules while coordinating several significant research projects across European and Asian contexts. University College Dublin, School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy Primary Coordinator of C-NEWTRAL (Horizon MSCA-DN 2024-2028) Co-Leader of REALLOCATE (Horizon Europe project 2023-2027) Principal Investigator for BIODIVERSA+ projects (NatureScape and NBS4AQUAMISSION) Educated at the University of Architecture and Urban Planning 'Ion Mincu' in Bucharest (BA and MA) and the University of Liverpool (PhD), Dr. Istrate further enhanced her teaching credentials with a Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning from UCD. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in architectural and urban planning principles combined with specialized expertise in sustainable urbanism. Dr. Istrate's research focuses on smart and sustainable urbanism, particularly examining active mobility, livable streets, green public spaces, and nature-based solutions in urban planning. Her work employs participatory, geospatial, and mixed methods to inform smart communities and the transition to climate-neutral cities. She has practical international experience in urban design and planning, with ongoing collaborations spanning European and Asian countries, currently teaching and researching across cultures in UCD and UCD's International Colleges (CDIC). Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on street vitality, urban heat adaptation, and nature-based solutions. The research demonstrates methodological diversity combining quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative community engagement approaches. Her work spans multiple geographic contexts, with particular expertise in Chinese urban environments and European cities, showing how urban planning concepts need to be contextualized for different cultural settings. The articles consistently address climate adaptation challenges through innovative approaches like urban nature games and fine-grained street classification systems. Dr. Istrate serves as a PhD thesis supervisor and is actively involved in major research initiatives including C-NEWTRAL (as Primary Coordinator), REALLOCATE (as Co-Leader), and BIODIVERSA+ projects (as PI for NatureScape and NBS4AQUAMISSION). Her grant portfolio includes Horizon Europe projects and other significant funding that supports interdisciplinary research on climate-neutral urban development. She has coordinated multiple teaching modules including Planning Design & Development, GIS & Planning, Intro to Spatial Planning, and Local Planning Studio. She leads international research collaborations and maintains active partnerships across various European and Asian countries. Her work bridges academic research with practical urban planning applications, particularly through her focus on research-by-design approaches and participatory methods that engage communities in the planning process. She has served as a lecturer, tutor, or teaching assistant across departments of Architecture, Planning, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, and Human Geography in Ireland, the UK, Czechia, Sweden, China, and Romania since 2010.
Ximena E. Bernal is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Purdue University's College of Science, where she leads the Bernal Lab. Her research focuses on animal communication systems in anurans (frogs and toads) and their interactions with eavesdropping enemies and anthropogenic environmental changes. Her lab integrates behavioral and sensory ecology to investigate how natural enemies like frog-biting midges and frog-eating bats shape signal evolution in vocal anurans. Research examines the dual pressures of predation and sexual selection, alongside human impacts including traffic noise and habitat fragmentation on threatened amphibian populations. The work combines neuroethological mechanisms with functional analyses of communication networks. Recent publications demonstrate how defensive strategies in male túngara frogs alter attractiveness to both mates and predators, revealing receiver-dependent trade-offs in signal evolution. This research highlights the vulnerability of communication systems to environmental disruption and the ecological consequences of signal interference. Dr. Bernal actively promotes inclusive excellence in STEM through mentoring and program development. She supports undergraduate and graduate education initiatives aimed at broadening participation of underrepresented groups in science. The Bernal Lab operates as a collaborative unit within Purdue University and maintains a research associate affiliation with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Field and laboratory studies focus on anuran communication networks in natural contexts, emphasizing the integration of mechanistic and functional approaches to understand signal evolution.
FOONG Pin Sym is a Senior Research Fellow at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore. She leads the Telehealth Core, a research center focused on developing and studying eHealth projects. Her academic background includes a Master's in Human Computer Interaction Design and a PhD in Interactive Media. Her research emphasizes patient-centered technologies, with a focus on chronic disease prevention, caregiver support, and mobile health applications. Her work addresses challenges in healthcare decision-making, end-of-life care, and lifestyle interventions. Notable projects include developing digital tools for diabetes risk communication, caregiver decision support systems, and studies on telehealth during the pandemic. She teaches courses in Human-Computer Interaction, Mobile Interaction Design, and Technology for Older Adults. Her research spans qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including randomized controlled trials and participatory action research. She actively participates in interdisciplinary collaborations across health, technology, and design sectors to improve patient and caregiver outcomes. Education: PhD in Interactive Media, Master's in Human Computer Interaction Design Labs/Teams: Leads the Telehealth Core research team Grants/Projects: SMART-GDM Study, Vita project for dementia care
Nancy E. Levine is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she has conducted extensive research on culturally Tibetan societies across Nepal and China. Her work examines how state-sponsored modernization projects impact family structures, community dynamics, and cultural values in highland Asian contexts. Education: Ph.D. in Anthropology, University of Rochester (1978) Research Focus: Professor Levine specializes in socio-cultural anthropology with emphasis on kinship systems, pastoral economies, and gender dynamics. Her fieldwork spans three and a half years in northwestern Nepal studying household economies, followed by investigations into government reform impacts on Western Tibetan agriculturalists and sedentarization effects on nomadic pastoralists in Sichuan and Qinghai Provinces. Current research analyzes resettlement consequences for Tibetan communities adapting to urban life, including shifts in family relationships, cultural values, and health outcomes. Her methodological approach combines demographic analysis with political economy frameworks to document responses to economic scarcity and mortality patterns in pre-modern contexts. Publication Trends: Her 15-year publication trajectory reveals consistent focus on kinship adaptation under political change, with increasing attention to multi-species anthropology and sedentarization impacts. Early work established foundational analyses of polyandry and child care systems, while recent scholarship examines taxation traditions and sibling centrality in pastoralist survival strategies, demonstrating longitudinal engagement with Tibetan societies through periods of dramatic socioeconomic transformation. Advising and Research: Professor Levine mentors graduate students at UCLA with expertise in Himalayan and Central Asian fieldwork. Her research has been supported by grants enabling sustained ethnographic engagement across multiple Tibetan regions, though specific funding sources aren't detailed in available materials. She maintains active scholarly contributions through journal publications and book chapters addressing contemporary challenges in pastoralist communities.
Atreyi Kankanhalli is a Professor at the National University of Singapore, specializing in Information Systems with a focus on knowledge management, healthcare IT, and digital innovation. Their research spans over three decades, with prolific contributions in top journals like MIS Quarterly, Journal of AIS, and Information & Management. They have co-authored over 150 papers addressing topics such as crowdsourcing, online communities, and the impact of AI on scholarly practices. Notable work includes studies on user adherence to health apps, innovation in public sector data utilization, and the ethical challenges of generative AI in peer review. Kankanhalli has also led research on global virtual teams and digital technologies' role in social justice, reflecting a commitment to both technical and societal dimensions of information systems. Education & Background: While specific degree details are not provided, their extensive publication history and academic roles imply advanced qualifications in Information Systems or related fields. They have collaborated with global researchers across institutions like NUS, University of Illinois, and Singapore Management University. Research Themes: Core areas include digital health interventions (e.g., fitness app adherence), organizational innovation via open data and crowdsourcing, and the socio-technical challenges of AI in academia. Their work often bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, such as healthcare decision support systems and policy-driven technology adoption. Impact & Influence: As an editorial board member and frequent conference contributor (e.g., ICIS, PACIS), Kankanhalli shapes the field's research agenda. Their recent focus on generative AI's implications highlights proactive engagement with emerging technologies' ethical and methodological challenges.
Brett Sanders is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine. His research focuses on developing innovative algorithms for flow and transport in river and coastal systems and integrating information technologies to create more accurate and efficient simulation tools for flood hazard assessment. His primary research interests include: Flooding and erosion hazards, particularly coastal flooding and urban flooding Surface water quality Low impact development impacts on hydrology Dam-break flooding Aerial and terrestrial lidar scanning Geographical information systems High performance computing for simulation tools Social dimensions of flood risk and adaptation behaviors Dr. Sanders' recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a comprehensive research program addressing both technical and social aspects of flood risk. His work spans computational hydrodynamics, flood hazard mapping, infrastructure vulnerability assessment, and the socioeconomic dimensions of flood risk. He has made significant contributions to understanding multi-grid modeling of urban flooding, post-fire flood hazards, satellite-based monitoring of land motion, and social inequalities in flood exposure. His research demonstrates how flood dynamics are more complex than simple bath-tub filling models suggest, with important implications for urban planning and climate adaptation. Dr. Sanders has received recognition as a Chancellor's Professor at UC Irvine, indicating distinguished scholarly achievement. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan (1997) M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan (1994) B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley (1993)
Dr. Claire Kremen is a Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), holding joint appointments in the Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (IRES) and Zoology within the Faculty of Science. She is the President’s Excellence Chair in Biodiversity and a highly-cited researcher since 2014. Her work focuses on reconciling agricultural land use with biodiversity conservation, emphasizing strategies like diversified farming systems to enhance ecological connectivity, ecosystem services (e.g., pollination), and sustainable livelihoods. Her research spans field, lab, and modeling studies, addressing how diversified farming systems influence wildlife population persistence, pest control, and socio-economic outcomes. She has held prior faculty roles at Princeton University and the University of California, Berkeley, where she co-founded the Berkeley Food Institute. Her international collaborations include work in Madagascar and roles on Conservation International’s Scientific Advisory Board. Research Interests: Community ecology, ecosystem services, agricultural diversification, conservation policy, and environmental change. Key projects investigate how landscape design and farming practices balance biodiversity conservation with food production, using case studies in strawberry farming, pollinator networks, and pest control. Awards & Recognition: President’s Excellence Chair in Biodiversity (UBC), Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researcher (2014–present). Grants & Advising: Advises students via courses like RES 509 (Advanced Conservation Science) and RES 510 (Social-Ecological Systems). Her lab integrates empirical and theoretical approaches to address barriers to sustainable agriculture adoption and promotes policy frameworks for biodiversity-friendly farming. Labs & Teams: Leads the Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture Lab (WorCS Lab), collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on global food systems and biodiversity research.
Prof. Dr. Johannes Sauer is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding dual affiliations with the TUM School of Management and the TUM School of Life Sciences . His academic focus is on production and resource economics, with expertise in agricultural sustainability, policy evaluation, and circular economy strategies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s in Agricultural Economics from Universities of Tübingen, Hamburg, and Imperial College London. Doctorate (summa cum laude) in Agricultural Economics from the University of Bonn (2004). Research Interests: Prof. Sauer’s work spans productivity and resilience in agricultural systems, adoption of sustainable technologies, water resource valuation, and bioeconomic trends. He emphasizes smart technologies and circular economy applications in developing regions. His research employs econometric methods to analyze policy impacts and environmental-economic trade-offs. Key Trends in Publications: Recent articles highlight climate-smart agriculture, ICT adoption in rural China, and agroforestry’s role in reducing ecological-economic trade-offs. He explores behavioral drivers of policy participation and innovative tools like the IoFarm decision support system. Awards: 2021 Honorary Professorship at ANU OECD Fellow Awards (2010, 2016) Best Paper Awards (2008–2015) Consulting & Roles: OECD and Asian Development Bank consultant, ESRC Peer Review College member, and liaison lecturer for the German National Academic Foundation. He advises on agri-environmental policies and international development. Labs/Teams: Active in collaborative projects such as PONDERFUL Framework and IPM Popilia , focusing on nexus research and pest management strategies.
Dr. Kai Liu is a University Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge, and a Fellow at Selwyn College. He earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Johns Hopkins University in 2011. His research focuses on labor economics, public economics, applied microeconometrics, and China's economic development, with specific investigations into wage dynamics, human capital formation, and household decision-making under uncertainty. His research interests span: Labor market dynamics including wage risk, job mobility, and gender wage gaps Public policy analysis in education, healthcare, and family support systems Household behavior under economic uncertainty and policy reforms Human capital investments across the life cycle Economic development challenges in China Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on education policy impacts, health insurance effects on agricultural investments, and family environment dynamics. His work consistently applies advanced microeconometric methods to evaluate policy interventions and economic behaviors. Dr. Liu currently supervises three PhD students: Shengjuan He, Qianya Xu (researching empirical microeconomics and labor economics), and Shania Mustika (researching labor economics, education economics, and racial relations). He has secured significant research funding including: British Academy grant for 'Capital Market Imperfections, Skill Accumulation, and Inequality' (2024-2026) ESRC grant for 'Demand and Welfare Analysis using Micro-data' (2022-2026) British Academy grant for family policy research (2019-2021)
Pauline Jones is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan (UM) and the Edie N. Goldenberg Endowed Director for the Michigan in Washington Program. She also founded and directs the Digital Islamic Studies Curriculum (DISC). Her research focuses on institutional change in Central Asia, state regulation of religion, and pandemic policy responses. She holds a Ph.D. (with distinction) from Harvard University. Education: Ph.D. (Government), Harvard University, with distinction M.S. (Government), Harvard University B.A. (Political Science and History), UC Berkeley, with honors Her research explores how state religious policies affect political attitudes, pandemic compliance behaviors, and historical memory's role in foreign aid support. She has authored five books, including Institutional Change and Political Continuity in Post-Soviet Central Asia and The Oxford Handbook on Politics in Muslim Societies . Current projects analyze protest impact on authoritarian policies and historical narratives' influence on foreign policy. She has held leadership roles at UM’s Islamic Studies Program (2011-14), International Institute (2014-20), and currently directs the Michigan in Washington Program. Affiliated with the Global Islamic Studies Center, Center for Political Studies, and Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies. Teaches courses on radical Islam, Central Asian politics, qualitative methods, and pandemic governance. Her work appears in American Political Science Review , Annual Review of Political Science , and Foreign Affairs .
